Manufactured by John Lingard in Sheffield, England c. 1840s to 1850s. Lingard was known as one of the "Little Mesters", or small time knife makers located in Sheffield. These artisans often ran their blade making businesses out of their homes, which was in contrast to the large factory firms that were beginning to appear in Sheffield. The overall length is 13 1/4 inches with an 8 1/16 inch clip point blade. The blade is faintly etched with some floral motifs and "Gold Seekers Protector" in a banner on the left and the left ricasso is marked "JOHN/LINGARD'S/CELEBRATED BOWIE KNIFE/PEA CROFT/SHEFFIELD". The grip is primarily German silver with patriotic eagle and shield and floral motifs and two pearl scales on each side. Includes a lightly tooled leather sheath with German silver fittings.